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News from East Midlands Trains

Phil 'The Power' Taylor takes on rail passengers in darts challenge

Passengers given opportunity to compete in “Challenge Phil” event

Station darts challenge raises money for the Children's Hospital Charity in Sheffield

Passengers travelling through Sheffield station have been given the chance to compete against World Darts Champion, Phil “The Power” Taylor, whilst helping to raise valuable funds for The Children’s Hospital Charity.

The 16-times World Darts Champion, who is currently featuring in East Midlands Trains adverts promoting unbeatable fares to London, took on 60 passengers in a three hour challenge at Sheffield station on Thursday 20 June.

Participants were given the chance to take to the oche against Phil “The Power” Taylor for just £3 a go for six darts, with all proceeds donated to The Children’s Hospital Charity’s Make it Better appeal, aiming to raise £20m to support a £40m transformation of The Children’s Hospital in Sheffield.

The overall winner of the challenge with a score of 200 was Ben Dulley from Sheffield who won a First Class family ticket to London with East Midlands Trains. Highlights from the day included a gentleman who travelled from Wales to take part in the once in a lifetime opportunity, and Phil even speaking to someone's mum on the phone!

Speaking about the event, Phil Taylor said: "I had a great time and it was really good to work with East Midlands Trains to raise money for Sheffield Children's Hospital. I'm a big supporter of charity and especially children's charities because of the amazing work they do, and it's great to have been able to mix that with playing against so many members of the public."

Jason Cocker, East Midlands Trains Station Manager for Sheffield, said: “It’s been a great day and we’re pleased so many people took part in the challenge and entered into the spirit of our “Challenge Phil” day.

“It’s been a real privilege to have the current World Champion playing a part in helping to raise some valuable funds for a charity we closely support.”

Overall almost £300 was raised for The Children’s Hospital Charity through the darts challenge and through collections taking place by charity staff and the hospital charity’s mascot, Theo the Bear.

East Midlands Trains has a close partnership with The Children’s Hospital Charity and recently named one of its trains in support of the charity. Staff at Sheffield station have carried out a number of fundraising activities and the station has hosted a series of events for the Children’s Hospital including art exhibitions for work produced by the children staying there.

Senior fundraiser at The Children’s Hospital Charity Rebecca Staden, said: “We’re so thrilled to be involved in such an exciting event! Phil Taylor is such a big sporting star and it’s a real honour to have him support our charity as part of our partnership with East Midlands Trains.

“The funds raised will go towards our Make it Better appeal which aims to transform our hospital into a state-of-the-art facility, which will make such a difference to so many children, and enable our doctors and nurses to continue to provide the very best care.”